The inaugural Susi Mai Invitational kicked off in style on Saturday 22nd July, attracting tens of local and international riders to compete for the $16,000US prize and the prestigious title of “Shorebreak Superstar.” Held over two days in front of Cabarete’s Millennium Hotel, the competition additionally attracted tens of leading global entrepreneurs, kite aficionados and the tech community for a week-long, networking and sports filled gathering -hosted by Susi - ahead of the weekend battle for the title.

Wind conditions were slow to start and moved the women’s epic battle to the Sunday, yet did not deter the focused riders who traveled as far afield as Germany, Italy, the UK, Colombia and of course the local contingency, who brought the enthusiastic home crowd support. Live streams via Facebook throughout the two days of competition allowed thousands more from over 20 countries to join in the excitement taking place in one of the world’s most stunning and fierce kite spots.

The Men’s and Women’s titles were tightly fought over, going almost to the wire and pushing the riders to surpass their own personal best in order to make the podium. In spite of its infancy, the ferocious combination of Susi Mai and Cabarete has already given the Susi Mai Invitational kudos and status in the global kiting circuit. The sheer number of international guests and riders present underlined the importance of this competition. Whilst local competitors dominated, there was ample hunger from the international athletes, whose incredible tricks held the crowds in awe. You can check out highlights of the competition here: www.susimai.com/invitational

As a special bonus, one of our sponsors Windvoyager, decided to create a “Split Prize Purse”, dedicating a total of 6,000 USD to be split equally amongst all of the riders who presented themselves for a heat. The “Split Purse” will become a fixed installment in this event and hopefully others around the world. “When a rider competes, he/she is working.

The women’s winner, Georgina Monti had this to say: “The event was amazing, everything ran so smoothly in spite of the wind not playing ball! It was great to compete against such talented girls but I’m stoked to have won, I’m super happy and grateful to Susi and all sponsors for making this happen. I can’t wait to defend my title next year!”

Already a fixture in the annual global kiting and Cabarete calendar, next year’s Susi Mai Invitational will be held July 20 - 22, 2018 and is set to attract the world’s elite kiters and global entrepreneurs alike.

“It was a big honor to host an incredible weekend in Cabarete, celebrating kiteboarding and the DR. Congrats to all the riders for crushing it and huge thanks to the sponsors and my team, plus all of the beautiful people of the Cabarete community for contributing to make this event happen. I could not have done it without you.” Susi Mai

A note to the Editors:

Susi Mai

Susi is one of a handful of Red Bull’s lifetime ambassadors, having been the only rider (male or female), who has won the prestigious Red Bull “King of the Air” title a consecutive three times. German born but a Dominican resident since the age of 6, as the President of Mai Tai Global she previously hosted tens of international events, mixing together leading tech entrepreneurs, world leaders and professional kiters, and providing a platform to nurture start up companies and silicon valley/kiting relationships. Her events company strategically hosts gatherings that also have Ocean Conservation at their core focus.

For more information: www.susimai.com

WINNERS:

MEN

1 - ADEURI CORNIEL (DR)

2 - ROBINSON HILARIO (DR)

3 - LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ (DR)

WOMEN

1- GEORGINA MONTI (UK)

2 - LOU MARIN (FR)

3 - SAMANTHA CHILVERS (CAN)

HIGHEST SCORE TRICK

LUIS ALBERTO CRUZ (DR)

Huge thanks go out to our founding partners and title sponsors of the event:

Other World Computing

Skycatch

Soloshot

Millennium

Windvoyager

Amanera

Swox

And of course to our LOCAL HEROES who helped make the Cabarete experience amazing for everyone.

It was a big honor to host an incredible weekend here in Cabarete, celebrating kiteboarding and the DR. Congrats to all the riders for crushing it and huge thanks to the sponsors and my team, plus all of the beautiful people of the Cabarete community for contributing to make this event happen. I could not have done it without you :)

The “SUSI MAI Invitational” will take place in Cabarete during the dates of July 21 - 23. 2017.

The world’s best kiteboarders will be going up against each strong local Dominican talent, providing the ultimate showdown over the weekend, with the final taking place on Sunday, July 23rd.

The competition will have a fun new format known as

“The Shorebreak Superstars Show”

It consists of using the shore break as a kicker to do Freestyle and Big Air. We are looking for the most complete rider able to do both. We will likely go for a dingle elimination, meaning everyone will have a second chance.

Irresistible beaches and a sparkling shoreline make the background for the inauguration of the SUSI MAI Invitational competition, the most exciting in the world of kiteboarding.

In an unprecedented event, the SUSI MAI Invitational promises to be a fully collaborative supported sports event, where enterprising entertainers and kiteboarding enthusiasts take an active part in making the tournament a reality for everyone.

SUSI MAI thanks the main sponsors, without whom the event would not be possible:

- OtherWorldComputing (OWC),

- Millennium

- Soloshot

- AMAN Hotels

- SWOX

Susi Mai is collaborating intensively with the leading professional athletes in the sport, exhibiting passion in their new joint initiative.

"It has been a great effort and I am extremely proud to be able to bring this competition back to my home beach. For me it is a way to help Dominican athletes present their talents to the world. United we can all ensure that the sport continues to attract tourists to our island while we support environmental initiatives. "

SUSI MAI has started a new adventure and building her own brand, she will continue to create experiences focused on finding extraordinary athletes, innovators, and artists who share a common love of kiteboarding, adventure, and our oceans. SUSI MAI has achieved an incredible network of professional contacts united by the enthusiasm and interests towards an extreme environment.

"I participated in my first competition for the world cup in Cabarete in 2003. To my surprise, and the others, I came in second place almost winning the champion of that time. It was the debut in my professional kiteboarding career and now I only hope to be able to give back to this incredible sport that has taken me for a ride my whole life. My heart is filled with gratitude to the community of Cabarete for cooperating with their resources and for believing in me. Time to Rock and Roll! "- Susi Mai